BigMikeH77

or worse, when two drivers will drive side-by-side on a 4-lane highway for miles - thus clogging the road for everyone. This seems indigenous to the US east coast and worsens the further south you go. +1...If you are not passing in the left lane move over! The DC area and Southern MD residents have no concept of the passing lane. The problem is that too many U.S. drivers think of it as the "fast lane" and not the PASSING lane. Couple that with traffic laws not being enforced. When I lived in Germany, driving in the left lane whilst NOT passing meant a hefty fine - payable immediately to the Polizei who stopped you.

Mine are the ignorant masses whom have allowed themselves to be so brainwashed into the "Post 9/11 mindset" that they are afraid of being afraid. You know these people, for them confrontation is a bad word. These are the type who call authorities instead of standing their ground or engaging in a dispute because they're uncomfortable with disagreement. Also on the list are the people who half-assedly whisper "excuse me" when paths cross in the office instead of flashing a smile or something and CLEARLY COMMUNICATING a "oh, pardon me" or something of that nature. The two are related. Also on the list are my ex-wife, her attorney, most ALL attorneys for that matter, anyone who works for or lives in Douglas County Colorado, codependents, excessive optomists, overly negative pessimists, people with meth teeth, teenaged drivers who believe they have a better understanding of traffic laws than I, "combat vets" who never really saw combat yet tell the most amazing stories about it, and people in the office who absolutely insist on sharing their stories about bowel movements in regular conversation. And, people who don't understand the concept of traffic circles.

Ol' Rush is what he is - A shock jock entertainer. It just so happens that his arena is political and there are a whole lot of people who don't factor in the "entertainment" part and take what he says at face value. Some people love him, some people hate him. Will spewing one's own personal opinion of him, his methods, or his message change anything? Nope. Trying to reason with a dittohead is like trying to explain ethics to a rock. So just let people be, believe what they want, right?

Hi and welcome!

Pretty much what everyone else on here is saying, and it seems the biggest thing that non-jumpers simply don't understand, is the distraction factor. Regardless of whether the camera is on your helmet, chest, feet, in glasses, or hidden inside your glove. It's neat to be able to show friends what you do for fun, and see your skills progress. But I don't think the risk is anywhere near the reward for newer jumpers. This coming from a new guy too.. So when I want video of a jump, I spend a the extra money and hire a videographer there on site at the DZ and don't even give it a single thought while in the air. They do a great job, appreciate the business, and it's always good to make a new friend.

It would be really nice if the canopies had a separate field for size, mfgr, model... That way, searches could be organized and results would be easier to navigate through

Hi! Remember to smile - It's fun!

I don't think there's any real escape from that beast. It took me a good few months to reeally acclimate when I first moved to Denver, and after 6 years now it's never an issue - UNLESS I'm doing some sort of strenuous activity way up there (Skiing doesn't do much to me, but hiking above 13,000 does). I don't know if, other than time at altitude, there is any real and honest prevention measure to reduce the likelihood or effects of hypoxia. Of course, the only REAL remedy for it is to GET DOWN... NOW. Even a drop of a couple thousand feet at most usually really helps my visitors who discover through the majesty of our gorgeous mountains that they are not the supermen or wonder women that they think they are. After an interesting incident on the Otter a few weeks back where I just seem to have completely flaked prior to exit, I've been paying close attention to what my body is telling me while I'm up there. Right now, both in the air and on the ground, it's telling me to get my butt into shape. As far as breathing pudding... Spot-on. But isn't it cool how we can drink most anyone from the coast under the table and be like "What..." but when someone comes to visit and tries to drink here like they do back home, they make a pretty funny spectacle of themselves. I love Colorado..

Welcome welcome!

+1 on that. Golden was the first place that popped into my mind. It's generally younger, out of the hustle of downtown but well within reach especually now that the "W" light rail line has opened. It's super close to the mountains and a only about 45 min from Mile-Hi if you head up 93. I live in that weird grey area between golden/lakewood/morrison and love it.

Sure but I wouldn't want to have it in, say, a jeans pocket, and land on it in the event of a PLF. Just saying. I'm not starting and not engaging a discussion about what people should or shouldn't carry with them on jumps.

+1 on this. Primarily for obvious reasons, but not everyone is lucky enough to recover a lost wallet, after a month, hiding in the sleeve of the very same jumpsuit you last wore. Not to mention, I can't even imagine PLF'ing on my keys or cell phone. I'm sure it's been done though.

First tandem at 32, started AFF at 35. I just turned 36 and might do my AFF-7 grad jump this weekend if all goes well. Lots of folks at my DZ in their 20's with tons of jumps, lots of folks way older than me too. I think it might just be a matter of whenever the sport "calls you".

Maybe you could just go for a plane ride... I hear the ride back down is quite exciting

When I was a teenager I was a passenger in my friends (new) car zooming along some backroads in MO. She took a sharp turn too fast, hit some gravel, and pointed us straight into an embankment. I remember the second before inpact realizing that I didn't have my seat belt on, accepting that I was about to get put into the windshield, and saying to myself "Let's see if this hurts".

"Soul Meets Body" by Death Cab for Cutie. It's a good song and one of those that seem to stick in my head for days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uizQVriWp8M

Oh man... That was not cool.

5,500'. I'm new I believe that altitude affords me a good distance to work EP's, if necessary, and also affords the instructor distance if needed.

I think that the problem with a default vote of "nay" is, in part, that it would continue to foster the current do-nothing environment in congress. It would be up to the affirmative group - wether that be a bipartisan committee, an individual congressperson, or whomever, to finagle enough support so that a given bill would be sure to pass. That is pretty much how it is now, except that the votes of those who are absent count toward neither the yea's or nay's. If one party decides to stonewall another and impede all progress whatsoever, they simply don;t show up for work. Right now, the way things are, an opposing side must take an active part in their political subversion. A default vote of "no" will make everyone in congress lazier than they already are, in my opinion.

Great job, and congrats I'm not far behind in my progression. Interestingly enough, I had the same problem with my 4-jump; that constant, unintentional turn. Fortunately I DO have a tunnel close by and it only took a minute or so for the coach to isolate the problem which, of course, was body position... Being able to see it all on video is certainly helpful. Congrats again

Unfortunately, marriage is closely intergrated into public policy. The state wants you to get married, buy a house, raise kids, and so on... So much so that tax incentives and special status is awarded to married couples. Sure, churches say that their marriage is for one man and one woman - and to now, so does the state... But as same-gender couples/families become more socially accepted (notice I did NOT say "the norm"), recognition of a marriage/civil union between those couples by the state is a must. On a semi-related note, I am of the firm belief that ALL marriage contracts should have expiration dates; Renew at three years, 8 years, and THEN indefinite. Think of how much the divorce rate would plummet, the money that would be saved in courts, and so on and so on. No need to divorce, simply just don't renew the contract.

Loved the raft video.. Yes, there were bodies everywhere! :-) Looks like a lot of fun

Who broke their leg?

Of course.. Although I'm sure you see no ill intent. One of the purpose of having two JM's for the first few jumps is that it makes stability easier, yes - provided the student listens, pays attention, asks questions... I'm not trying to give unsound advice other than practice, listen, relax, and haave confidence and fun. But apparently that is too much for me to say so I'll just STFU and let other folks do the talking.